Aleister Black could be headed back to All Elite Wrestling, although the situation appears far from finalized.
According to SEScoops, Black, known as Malakai Black during his previous AEW run, is currently in active negotiations with AEW. The report, citing a source with direct knowledge of the discussions, noted that terms have not yet been finalized and no deal is officially in place.
However, the situation has become more complicated following additional reporting from Fightful, which states that AEW is publicly denying that negotiations are taking place at all.
Fightful also noted that Black, whose real name is Tom Budgen, still has more than two months remaining on his WWE contract following his release, leaving plenty of time for circumstances to change before he becomes fully available.
The conflicting reports mirror the mixed reactions surrounding a potential AEW return. Fightful Select’s Sean Ross Sapp previously reported that the bridge between Black and AEW was not considered completely burned. That stance contrasted with comments from Dave Meltzer, who indicated that some AEW sources were not enthusiastic about the idea of Black returning.
AEW talent coordinator Shawn Dean also publicly dismissed the possibility on social media when asked about reuniting the House of Black, responding simply with “No.”
Meanwhile, WWE Hall of Famer Jim Ross commented on the situation during his Grilling JR podcast, questioning Black’s reliability outside the ring and stating that his “chances are running out.”
Black was among approximately 25 talents released by WWE on April 24 as part of the company’s post-WrestleMania 42 roster cuts. His wife, Zelina Vega, was also released, alongside names including Bo Dallas, Joe Gacy, Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, Erick Rowan, Kairi Sane, Apollo Crews, and the Motor City Machine Guns.
Black originally joined AEW in 2021 after departing WWE and went on to lead the House of Black faction alongside Buddy Matthews and Brody King. During that run, the group captured the AEW World Trios Championships.
He returned to WWE on the April 25, 2025 edition of SmackDown following WrestleMania 41, meaning a new AEW deal would mark his third major jump between the two companies in five years.
At this time, no official agreement between Black and AEW has been confirmed.
